Christian

This is not geared toward children's writers, but there are a few editors and agents there who will look at MG/YA proposals and there are plenty of YA writers in attendance. A great place to go to make new friends and meet old friends and the place to be if you want to keep in contact with the Christian publishers and agents. Held in swank hotels every fall--you'll get a good night's sleep at this one.

This spring conference is, I believe, the largest Christian writers conference. This one does have a children's track most years. It has publishers who will look at children's fiction and nonfiction as well as some agents who are willing to look at YA proposals. This is my favorite conference, because of the beautiful setting (in the California redwoods) and the warm, friendly people. It's a bit on the rustic side and the beds are not the most comfortable, but other than that, this conference is perfect.

General Market

Highlights Foundation

SCBWI Nationals

The summer conference. Very big, fantastic staff. Pay a little extra and get the paid critique. They are worth every penny. The workshops are great. This is for all children's writers--non-fiction, fiction, PBs through YA.

Sally Apokedak is a new associate agent with the Leslie H. Stobbe Literary Agency. She's looking forward to attending lots of conferences next year and hoping to build a dynamite list of children's authors (PB to YA). She is also the local liaison for SCBWI in Cobb County, Georgia.

I'm afraid I don't have much to add about conferences for children's writers, but I'll chime in anyway. I was smiling yesterday when I read Ane's news, and I'm smiling more today about yours. I sooo had missed that. Congratulations, Sally--livin' the dream! I'lll see you in Florida in March, Lord willing. Hugs and blessings from Pacasmayo, Peru!

I'm a huge fan of the Oregon Christian Writers - they have three one-day conferences throughout the year and then one large Summer Conference in August. in 2013, the Summer Conference is August 12-15 in Portland, OR and has Liz Curtis Higgs keynoting. They always have a stellar faculty and the smaller size allows you more one-on-one time with editors and agents. :-)